The cannabis industry is booming, with legalization expanding across North America. As more people try cannabis, questions arise about the contents and effects of different marijuana products.
One term that frequently appears is “TAC.” But what does TAC stand for and why does it matter? This guide breaks down everything you need to know about TAC when shopping for cannabis.
What is TAC in Marijuana Products?
TAC stands for “Total Active Cannabinoids.” It refers to the percentage of active cannabinoid compounds present in a cannabis product at the time of testing.
Cannabinoids are chemical compounds secreted by cannabis plants. They interact with receptors in the body’s endocannabinoid system to produce physiological and psychological effects. The two most well-known cannabinoids are THC and CBD, but over 100 have been identified.
TAC tells you what percentage of a product consists of active cannabinoids when tested. This differs from totals that include inactive acidic forms that get decarboxylated when heated.
TAC indicates immediately available cannabinoids if consumed without further heating.
Why Does TAC Matter?
TAC gives insight into a product’s chemical makeup and potency potential. The higher the TAC, the more cannabinoids are present to generate effects when used. This helps predict the experience strength.
TAC also shows the diversity of cannabinoids beyond just THC and CBD. Different cannabinoids can impact the high, flavors, and potential benefits. Understanding the range through TAC provides knowledge to find preferred products.
Additionally, TAC combined with lab testing reassures quality and safety. It verifies labels accurately reflect chemical contents on the packaging.
What Else to Look for on Labels?
Product labels contain other helpful details besides TAC, including:
- Strain name
- Cultivator
- Date of testing
- Indica/Sativa classification
- Legal information
- Terpene profiles
- THC and CBD percentages
- Other cannabinoid percentages
- Total potential cannabinoids after decarboxylation
- Contaminant testing
Combining TAC with supplementary label information paints a full picture to best predict experiences from different marijuana products.
Breaking Down the Details on TAC
Leveraging TAC when selecting cannabis products, helps to understand some specifics on what it indicates and how it’s calculated.
TAC Versus Total Cannabinoids
Labels may list “Total Cannabinoids” in addition to TAC. These reflect different things:
- TAC – Active cannabinoids present upon testing
- Total cannabinoids – Total potential cannabinoids available after full decarboxylation
The total cannabinoids percentage accounts for conversion, but doesn’t indicate what’s immediately available like TAC.
TAC Includes More Than Just THC and CBD
TAC aggregates all active cannabinoids. This includes major players like THC and CBD, but also minor cannabinoids like CBN, THCV, CBDV, etc. Specific cannabinoids will each have their own percentage as well.
Losses During Decarboxylation
Heating cannabis converts non-active acidic cannabinoids into their usable forms, increasing total active cannabinoids. However, chemical processes are not 100% efficient. Some THC can become CBN, lowering psychoactivity. So potential totals may not fully manifest.
Other Compounds: Terpenes and Flavonoids
While cannabinoids drive effects, marijuana also contains terpenes for aroma/flavor and flavonoids as antioxidants. But these are a small fraction compared to total cannabinoid contents.
TAC FAQs:
- What’s the difference between TAC, THC percentage, and CBD percentage?
TAC gives total active cannabinoid contents. THC and CBD percentages detail only those specific cannabinoids.
- What if actual effects seem weaker/stronger than implied by TAC?
The entourage effect means cannabinoids interact synergistically, possibly enhancing or reducing expected impacts. And everyone has slightly different physiologies affecting how they experience cannabis.
- Is higher TAC always better?
Not necessarily. Higher TAC indicates greater potency potential, but moderately high levels may provide pleasant experiences for many consumers without intense psychoactivity. It depends on personal preference.
- What makes up the rest of TAC is only a percentage.
TAC covers active cannabinoids. The remainder includes non-active cannabinoid acids, terpenes, flavonoids, plant matter, and trace compounds.
- Can testing labs manipulate results?
Possibly, but accredited labs are reliable. Check for credentials like ISO 17025 compliance. Reputable cultivators use qualified labs.
- What about microbes? Can products be contaminated?
Yes, which is why quality assurance testing for contaminants like microbes, pesticides, metals, etc. is also important in addition to cannabinoid testing. Both indicate manufacturer standards.
- Is TAC testing required?
TAC testing is recommended best practice but not uniformly mandated everywhere. Contact local authorities to confirm regulations in your jurisdiction.
- How should I use TAC when selecting products?
Understand preferred level then read labels to find products aligning with needs. More TAC means more effects, so moderate levels can prevent unwanted intensity.
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Conclusion:
With cannabis now available from a growing diversity of producers across an expanding geography, understanding labels is key to making informed selections aligned with personal preferences and desired effects. Total Active Cannabinoids specifically describe chemical contents central to experiencing marijuana’s impacts.
Combined with supplementary details like strain, THC/CBD amounts, terpenes, and testing credentials, TAC provides valuable insight cannabis consumers can leverage to choose quality products that match their interests.
The intricacies of marijuana may seem intimidating to navigate at first, but grasping key terminology empowers smarter, more targeted decisions.
So don’t let the alphabet soup of cannabis terms overwhelm you. Do some research, learn what different label elements indicate, and let the numbers guide you toward your perfect cannabis purchase every time.
